Any Renewable Energy Solution Requires Extracting the Full Value of Biomass
by A.J. (Sandy) Marshall (Bioindustrial Innovation Canada/Canada Biomass) … Today, climate change concerns are demanding an ever-increasing management of greenhouse gases. As a result, society is establishing a pricing on carbon through cap and trade and carbon taxation mechanisms. This shift is driving our transformation to an industrial bioeconomy resulting in an immense global opportunity for the 21st century.
Building the bioeconomy
However, to accelerate the industrial bioeconomy, it is critical that we follow the strategy of maximum value extraction from the biomass. Maximizing the production of biomaterials (such as wood products, cellulose, fibre, and lignin), biochemical, and biofuels will maximize the value extraction from the biomass. Production of bioenergy is important to the bioeconomy as it allows industry to extract value from the residual products remaining.
Building hybrid chemistry clusters and biorefineries are important strategies to maximize value extraction from the various sources of biomass. With the support of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC), Sarnia-Lambton has established its Hybrid Chemistry Cluster and has become a hub for the biochemicals and biofuels industry. Sarnia is known for playing to its strengths and is characterized as a leader in the bioeconomy. BIC is now assessing the potential to generate renewable natural gas and bioenergy from the biomass residuals which will enhance the region’s competitiveness. READ MORE
